And panic.
A week ago I had jury duty. I realize that it is my civic duty, or rather, my civic honor as they kept explaining to us, but it felt more like a duty and less like an honor. While I went to college in the land of prisons and criminal justice, I’ve never had the burning desire to be put on a panel of jurors, so to me the whole concept makes me sweat bullets.
You may have heard my sigh of relief when, after four hours of literally doing nothing but waiting, I was finally released to go home. No jury for me. At least this time.
Anyway, the entire day was a hurry up and wait kind of deal.
For instance, you have to be there at 8:00 AM or they’ll shut the doors on you, lock them and throw away the key. However, when I arrived at 7:15 in a slight panic not knowing what the day would hold, I made my way to the jury courthouse, got checked in, found my seat in a frenzy among 1300 other jurors, then proceeded to sit there until 8:45 AM when they actually shut the doors and locked them.
You see what I mean? Hurry up and wait.
And in my case, panic and sweat for fear the day might not end up in my favor.
When all was said and done, my state of panic was worthless. Thank you, Lord.
However, it stirred up in me something greater.
I don’t know about you, but that is how I always find myself waiting.
I wait in a panic.
A few summers ago during one of the Siesta Summer Bible studies, one of the questions on the first evening was to go around and share one word that describes the current season you were in. When it got to me, I didn’t even think twice before I blurted out the word “waiting”.
Nearly two years later, if asked the same question, I’d be inclined to share the same word.
Because I am, after all, in a season of waiting.
I’ve said it before and I’’ll say it again, waiting is the one thing God has used in my life to make me more like Him. The relief that statement alone brings me makes me thankful for the way He holds me in places that makes me more like Him. Far from easy, and even sometimes lonely, but at least I know He has a purpose for me in the waiting. I didn’t always think like that.
Since I get the joy of moderating the comments that come through this blog, that means that on SSMT days, I’m seeing a lot of scripture. It is impossible for me to read each and every one, or I’d be here for days, but on those days I’ve become a pro at skimming them. However, on this last SSMT post, at the top of nearly every page moderated, Psalm 27:14 popped up, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” It wasn’t the verse I’d chosen, but I took it as a sweet reminder from the Lord.
That as He keeps me in a season of waiting, it’s not to bully me, but to strengthen me.
I’m no scholar, but I do see a theme in scripture when the Lord speaks of waiting, He often speaks of strength.
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31
I think of a bride getting ready to see her husband at the end of the aisle. I’ve not yet been a bride, but I’ve been in my fair share of weddings and I think we all know the length of time it takes for the wedding party (particularly the girls) to get ready for the ceremony, and rightfully so. We spend all day primping (while the guys play golf and then get ready in 30 minutes tops!), then, about an hour before the ceremony, all of the sudden everything comes to a complete halt and we sit, and wait. And often have a moment of panic. All of our hustling and hurrying and scurrying around all day, to sit and wait. That hour before the ceremony is the hardest hour of the day, in my opinion, but the expectation of what’s ahead brings unspeakable joy. She waits with expectation.
Often times, I’ve noticed my weariness in the waiting comes when I am tempted to manipulate things to go my way. I get lonely, so I try to replace that with busyness. Then I get burned out. Or, I get antsy, so I try to manipulate relationships, only to watch them fall apart. Or maybe I need a job so bad I take my first offer, only to realize it was a terrible fit, instead of just trusting in God’s perfect provision. My timetable looks terribly different than His, so when I try to push my timing on others, whether it be people or things, I’ll always end up selling myself short. The moment I lose sight of the true prize, I fall.
But most times, our waiting is much longer than any of us like to think or wait, but if we only knew what He had in store for us, we know the waiting would be worth it.
My sweet coworker KMac said it best, “We wouldn’t appreciate ANYTHING without a little delay and anticipation.” And all the people said amen.
That’s why in the waiting we wait with hope.
We wait with expectancy.
We wait in patience.
We wait in prayer.
We wait in strength.
Most times, the waiting really isn’t about the waiting, it’s about becoming.
“And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!” Isaiah 30:18 (Amplified)
Those who wait win the prize.
But know that even when you become tired in the waiting, the Lord is still working out every little detail.
“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Romans 8:26-28 (The Message)
You and I are waiting on the Lord to move in different ways, provide different things, and surprise us along the way. Instead of growing weaker, let us grow stronger. If you find yourself in any kind of waiting season, find things that stir your affections for Christ and pursue those. Maybe the Lord’s given you a gift you’ve let get dusty, pick it up and start practicing that craft. Whatever you do, don’t put your life on hold. Panic and worry do nothing but drain us of any energy or hope we may have had. This may sound harsh, but is there anything more unfulfiling that becoming selfish and living for yourself in our season of waiting?
And lest you think I’m writing this to preach to you, I’m writing this to preach to myself.
I recently saw this quote, on twitter of all things, by Charles Spurgeon, “The Lord’s “quickly” may not be my “quickly”; and if so, let him do what seems good to him!”
Expect, look and long for Him, dear Sister. At the end of the day, if you wait on God, no matter the outcome, I’m willing to bet by His promises alone, that the odds will always be in your favor.
Thank you Lindsee for this word of encouragement today. I know I needed it! And, thanks for being transparent with your struggle in waiting. I loved how you said “it is a season of becoming.” I want to become more like Him as I wait on Him.
About halfway through this post I thought: Did I write this?
How encouraging is it to hear that you are neither alone nor unique in whatever struggles you may have.
Thank you!
Oh boy, can I relate, Lindsee! I have been in a waiting period for a job for five months. But God has amazingly used this time to teach me, comfort me, and show me a plan that I would not have imagined. I’m still anticipating the end of this particular journey but am learning to not be “anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Whoa. Thank you Lindsee! Good word. I surely needed that encouragement today. Yes, yes, yes. Amen and amen.
Thank you Lindsee for the wonderful post! It was so what I needed to hear today. You’ve blessed me in a big way. 🙂
Lindsee,
First, let me say that I enjoy your posts! Thanks for reminding me of Ps. 27:14 today. It is a favorite of mine as well, as is the verse before it-“I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” These verses and others like them seem to be brought to my attention just when I need them-little “hugs from God.”
I also want to let you know that, as a single, never-married woman who has walked this road longer than you have, I have been praying for you for several months. I love how you are letting God use this season of your life for His glory. I can SO relate to the “waiting in a panic,” but it seems that you are learning what you need to learn and blessing so many young girls and others at the same time. God is obviously using this season of your life for His glory!
Lindsee,
Thank you so much for this post! God is so gracious to meet us where we are and offer the encouragement we need! I really needed to hear this today. Psalm 27:14 was actually my verse 5 for SSMT. Thank you again for all you do!
Thanks for the encouragement as always, Lindsee. The phrase that particularly resonated with me is “Most times, the waiting really isn’t about the waiting, it’s about becoming”. The worst times of my life have resulted from the sin of disobeying His will and making something happen in my own strength and timing. As God has been taking me on a long journey of healing and restoration, I now see and know a tender, loving Father taking all the time He knows I need to transform me into His likeness and to prepare me for the things He has prepared for me. It’s so good to remember the benefits of waiting: it’s not a passive state, but an active,strengthening,fruit-bearing process – a gift! In my times of struggling in this area, I will remember this post, thanks.
Waiting is certainly active, not passive. Also a good reminder! Blessings, Olivia!
Thank you for sharing your experience during your waiting season, Lindsee. I’ve been in my own season of waiting going on four years now, and with my finite sight, I can see no end. What a welcome reminder that while we are waiting, we are still growing, becoming stronger, learning more. I loved the quote that God’s “quickly” is more than likely vastly different from mine and I need to just get out of the way and let Him work. Thanks again.
“Most times, the waiting really isn’t about the waiting, it’s about becoming.”
Thank you for THAT reminder: Jesus’ blood runs through my veins.
Lindsee,
What a thought provoking post! I’m currently in ‘waiting mode’ about a situation for some years, and I’ve learned once again how faithful the Lord is when we lean into Him while we’re waiting.
It’s interesting- your phrase- waiting in a panic- brings to mind how easy it is to feel overwhelmed in a situation, while feeling there’s nothing we can do while waiting. But I’ve learned in this season that trusting that He is working everything according to His purpose , and not focusing on the length of time of the wait, helps IN the waiting.
What a treasure you are, Lindsee Lou!
Amen, Sister. Absolutely agree!
Amen!! Again, another perfect timing message from God through you!! I was getting a little weary today but am going to trust Him with patience! Thank you Lindsee! 🙂
Thanks for your openness. It was a great encouragment to me!
Hey Lindsee,
I love what you shared. I don’t know why – I used to work in the county courts building (a year in civil and a year in criminal courts), but I still get really weird at the courthouse like Big Brother is watching me.
I’ve never had to serve on Jury Duty, and quite frankly they would likely disqualify my prodigal, opinionated self anywho…
Speaking of who… Every time I see your name on this blog I think, “Lindsee Lou Who…” #ChristmasCartoonJunkie…uh-Trivia
Blessings,
Thank for this post today. I am in a period of waiting right now and it is not easy. I don’t know what I’m supposed to be learning, but I keep praying.
Blessings during your season of waiting!
Never let Satan tell you you don’t make a difference! The timing of this post couldn’t have been anything less than God-ordained and only God-orchestrated! And not just this post- but several others- including your post last October talking about blooming where God places you. God, in all His infinite glory & majesty, is using your posts to encourage women (like me- although I’m not sure I’m considered a “woman” at 25! The age or level of maturity we are to be called women, I’ll never know!? 🙂 )!
Sweet friend,
I about DIED when I read this post. My word for 2013 is “BRAVE” because God is asking me to be brave a lot these days. 🙂 And the verse that is chasing me around this year is…..Psalm 27:14! The version I’m using says “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be BRAVE and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord”. He’s asking me to WAIT and be BRAVE in the waiting. Megan and I had matching, hand stamped necklaces made to help us remember this verse. Love you for writing this!
I LOVE that. Be brave. Yes! What a good word, friend!
The timing of this could not be more perfect. Goodness.
“Whatever you do, don’t put your life on hold. Panic and worry do nothing but drain us of any energy or hope we may have had. This may sound harsh, but is there anything more unfulfiling that becoming selfish and living for yourself in our season of waiting?” <<I need to hear that part especially. Thank you for the reminder!!
Also, whether it was intentional or not…your closing line reminded me oh so much of Effie Trinket in the Hunger Games. 🙂 And now I want to go braid my hair.
It made me think of Hunger Games, too. 🙂
I cannot believe how timely it is for me to read this blog (which is my first time) and the statements that reflect what God’s Spirit has been awakening me to – emptiness and self-focused living while waiting – what is that?! Ugly – just pure ugliness. But I become consumed. And you’re so right about the draining of energy and hope that panic and worry bring. I’m realizing that in this particular area of waiting for me, I have not yet learned how to trust God in this part of my life. I struggle to believe that it matters to Him, because it’s been several years without the answer I long for, and I feel embarassed and am afraid I’m just silly to think, feel, etc. the way I do. But I am coming to believe that even if I am silly, He will help me get smart about it. Thank you so much for spilling out your thoughts in writing. To grasp that no matter what, if I wait on the Lord, the outcome will be in my favor – THIS will take a long time for me to absorb, but I so want to and I’m praying to let Christ’s Spirit work it undeniably into the depths of my soul. Did I say thank you? Thank you very much. My prayers are for you as well in your waiting.
Love this reminder today. I especially like the thought of strength and waiting coexisting. I’ve never thought of it that way before, but it is certainly true. Waiting is NOT for sissies!
I am also in the waiting mode. Have been for a good, long while and not sure how much longer. I do agree that when impatience sets in, I get all out of sorts and try to think of ways to “help” God out by manipulating. If I want things to get all messed up, that’s the way to do it. 🙁 Thanks for sharing this.
P.S. I was activated for jury duty last year and was so relieved when they dismissed me even before I had to report. I know it’s an honor and all that… I was just relieved. 🙂
You must have been reading my mind this past week or three or six…. Today I was having a conversation with a friend and wondered if God’s “soon” was the same as my “soon”.
I’m waiting to heal from spinal fusion surgery, to be able to have restricions lifted by the surgeon, I’m waiting to regain energy, I’m waiting on God to lead me somewhere….I’m waiting and I’m trying to trust.
Oh how I hate waiting!
I think, because it makes me feel weak, powerless, and vulnerable. Maybe that’s how God wants me?
Waiting is humbling. Waiting moves me away from my strength and into His.
How can I trust him so easily in the mad rush of crisis to part the Red Sea, but sitting still at the base of a mountain is near impossible?
Waiting is about becoming is exactly what I needed to read.
Thanks for the post!
Lindsee, this was SO perfect for me right now. I wrote my own blog post just yesterday about how we often ask God “Why are you doing this?” when we should be asking Him, “What are you trying to teach me?”. You are so right that waiting is not really about what’s on the other side, but about becoming. It always has a purpose, and I don’t want to waste any time that God wants to show me more of Himself.
Susan from Greensburg
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourself. Phil 2:3 NIV
Sallie from Tallahassee
“But if any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God who gives to all men generously and without reproach and it will be given to him”
James 1:5 NASB
Lindsee,
Thank you for sharing your heart and for your authenticity. I love reading what others are learning about waiting. I have written extensively about waiting well. I waited on God to grow my family for years, and now we have been waiting on God for employment for my husband for the past 3 years. I thought you might be interested in reading a poem about waiting. It’s called Wait by Russell Kelfer. Here’s a link to it on my blog:
http://www.samuelmay.com/p/wait-poem.html
It’s incredibly powerful. May it speak to your heart in this season of waiting.
I also did a series last October called 31 days of waiting well. Just like you mentioned above, I wrote it as much for me as for my readers.
May you discover that seasons of waiting are truly one of God’s greatest gifts.
Amen!!! Totally needed this today!!!! Thanks!:D:D
this word is perfect timing for me…..as i sit….and wait…and wait!!!!! thank you!!
Thank you! I’ve been in a season of waiting for my adult kids. It seems with each passing day something more happens. Good things here & there remind me God is in control. Grandson & daughter both had normal MRI’s. PTL!!! But I knew that, I wasn’t surprised. God is Awesome! Today, more disturbing news, but I was OK, this evening, another turn of events. By now I’m tired, how much more, how much longer. I’m getting down in the dumps. I read this blog, Lindsey, I realized it isn’t so much what is happening but the wait till it ends. Hurry up so I can brag on how awesome God is, realizing in my wait, the end will come, in God’s way. All that waiting & what if it isn’t my way that I think will be God’s way. Don’t know if that makes since to you but it is clear to me. I needed to read your blog to help me see, it is always worth the wait when you allow God to do His thing. I love Him so much!!!
I needed this SO much this morning, Lindsee! Thank you for sharing. A scripture I’ve been clinging to while waiting is Psalm 103, and especially verses 13-14: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” He knows how we struggle and how very weak we are, and yet He showers us with the love and compassion of a perfect Father. You’re so right in that he doesn’t make us wait to bully us, but to strengthen us! Blessings to you.
wow that is exactly what God was telling me last night. It is now my memory verse for this next 2 weeks. thanks for the confirmation
Thank you, Lindsee. Its amazing what God teaches us during our waiting. Praise His name
Me too!
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6
During a season of marriage, brain surgery, living in a RV he has taught me so much more than patience. How to be submissive to him. How to be humble ( when I thought I knew what that meant.) God is amazing in all his glory! His revealing is so neat.
Thank you for encouragement and love. I just love the ministry LPM does!
Phil. 1:6
Thank you.
Thank you Lindsee for this wonderful post!! Perfect timing and such a blessing!
HUGS
Wow. That post really resinated with me. Due to an accident my whole life turned upside down over 5 years ago. This resulted in the Lord challenging me. “Do you trust Me?” I’ve been exploring this, searching, praying, defying, arguing, praying some more. This January a new word took over “trust” – it was “wait”. Wait??? Oh boy. Haven’t I waiting long enough to find out what is going on? Obviously not. When I read your post I actually smiled – for I knew the Lord was reminding me of my new word, “wait”, and showing me some of the possible reasons. Thank you so much for sharing.
Lindsee,
I love this post! I so needed to be reminded that when I feel the undercurrent of panic as I wait for God’s promise, I should be pressing in to Him. That panic will be replaced with His peace and the truth of His Word. You used my current fav verse. Isaiah 30:18 out of the amplified…”matchless unbroken companionship” *happy sigh*…no panic can be felt there 🙂
Thank you <3
Thank YOU for this post, Lindsee! Timely
I am in a season of waiting. It can feel like abandonment sometimes, but your words are very wise. You also referenced some very appropriate passages of Scripture. I might have to use those in future Memory Verse weeks. It’s great that we can cheer each other on. You did a great one with this post! 🙂
You have no idea how meaningful this is for me right now. Thank you.
Thank you for this, Lindsee! Blessings!
Timely words for my life right now trying to discern what God’s will is for me and where He wants me to live and work. Thank-you!
Lindsee,
Thanks for words of encouragement that I very much needed to hear today. I find I don’t panic while waiting, but complain….poor me, blah blah blah. Oh dear: not Christ-like, not pretty, not how I’m called to live!
I woke this morning feeling so convicted over my complaining spirit just yesterday, and was in prayer to the Lord to forgive me of my sin and confess that I so deeply need His help and strength to guide me and direct me, and to give me a little attitude adjustment! Seeing this message this morning was gentle reminder from the Lord. He is so gracious, loving, kind, compassionate, and patient with me who is slow to learn.
God’s got this under control, and HE knows what His plans and purposes are for me; I don’t. I need to walk in obedience: and that {often} means waiting on Him. With patience and perserverance, allowing Him to teach me what I so desperately need to learn if only I will just listen, watch, and wait.
“Rejoice always!
Pray constantly.
Give thanks in everything,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thess 5:16-18 (HCSB)
Bless you Lindsee, and the wonderful team at LPM.
I needed this reinforcement today. I’m in the process of waiting – waiting to meet with an administrator to see what my job description for next year will be like; wondering if I’ll even have a job next year. (I teach, next year is September.) I’ve focused on another verse too:
Josh 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
My God will be with me no matter what happens, so I will stay strong and not get discouraged!
I heard a wise person once say, “Waiting is an act of worship.” I have never forgotten those words as they so deeply minister to my heart in those seasons of waiting. And I seem to be in that place a LOT! It often feels like nothing is getting accomplished in the wait but, if waiting is an act of worship, then something very significant is happening in that wait!
Perfect timing as I sit in the ICU with my mother in law. Waiting as we plan her recovery from a broken neck, broken ankle, crushed heel– and oh yea the other leg is fractured too. Waiting as my anniversary trip to Fiji is canceled. As I wallow in poor me– I look at her face and she whispers “God is with me. ” Thank you for your blog– this one is going to be printed and hung on my mirror to be read many times over the next few months.
“If you find yourself in any kind of waiting season, find things that stir your affections for Christ and pursue those”
Boy, that’s some good advice. Unfortunately, in my current “waiting season” I have turned to those selfish interests.
Talk about unfulfilling. No wonder I feel so spiritually flat and dry.
Thank you, Lindsee. I think you were talking directly to me this morning!
Lindsee,
I’m currently waiting on my husband to get home… he’s been gone for three weeks and we have five weeks to go. During this whole time, God has been bringing “wait” verses up to me, too. Thank you for sharing! God bless you, sweet thing!
Lauren
Lindsee, You are so young and delightful!! I remember well the “young” years that seemed to be so full of nothing but waiting. I love this post and what I love most about it is to once again get the “young” perspective. I am no longer young and I say to myself, “I sure would like some of that waiting back, Lord!” Now my life is literally flashing at breakneck speed ahead of me. Slow down and let me smell the roses for just a little longer. I love to read your posts so keep them coming, precious one.
Wow, this stuff is all great, but you know what came to me. Who, every day, could not be waiting….for something. We are all waiting for SOMETHING. Yet in that reality I need to find my peace with Him and realize that today is what I can know, this moment spent in the morning with Him is where I hear His thoughts, where I ask, “what do You have for today?. For me personally I think I need to lay down, at His feet, what ever I think I am waiting for and realize that He has MUCH for me today. Learning to live for each moment seems to be this season of life for me. Pouring out my heart as we start each new day, thanking Him for OH SO MANY THINGS in my life, including the chance to wait….then living for that moment, not ALWAYS looking ahead. I’m tired of always looking ahead, for what I hope, for what I might want, for what I think I need. He cares for me today, accomplishes that which concerns me today…today is evidently enough. Wow, just preached a message to myself.
Agreed with all of the above, Sister! No point in looking beyond the blessings He’s pouring on us on a daily basis. He is good!